1931-2021
FARMINGDALE- Arthur Joseph Bonenfant, Sr., 90, of Farmingdale, Maine, died Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Togus Springs VA.
He was born in Augusta, Maine on June 11, 1931, the son of William Joseph Bonenfant, Sr. and Eva Marie (Lambert) Bonenfant.
Arthur attended elementary schools in Farmingdale, Gardiner and Augusta. Graduating in 1950 from Gardiner High School. Graduated in 1990 from Mid-State College. After graduating from high school Arthur joined the Army in 1950 and was stationed in Korea from 1952-1953. Honorable discharge from US Army as SFC. Purple Heart recipient. Received Maine Silver Star award from Governor Balducci.
Arthur had met the love of his live while rolling skating at the Gardiner Roller Rink. He wanted to skate with this girl, and she didn’t want to... He decided to trip her and that was it... they fell in love was married April 21, 1950. After his military discharged, they moved to MA where he worked in a box factory and then decided to move back to ME in 1962. Arthur retired from Kennebec Valley Medical Center after 31 years as Director Plant Operations.
Arthur was a member in the following
AARP Chapter 511 – Maine Serving as board member
Canadian American Genealogical Society
Life Member American Legion Post 132 Richmond ME
Life Member, Korean War Veterans Association, Inc
Koren War Veterans Association Cpl Clair GoodBlood (MOH)
Life Member 2nd Infantry Division Korean War Veterans Alliance
Life Member 2nd Infantry Division New England Branch
2nd Engineer Combat Battalion Association
2nd Infantry Division Association
Maine Franco-American Genealogical Society
Life Member, Maine Old Cemetery Assocation
Life Member L41719, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 4570 Winslow ME
VFW post 9, Gardiner ME
National Engineers
Oldies but Goodies Club Served on Board of Directors
4 leaf clover club
In his younger years he was very active with the Boys scouts and serving as Cub Master.
In his later years, Arthur and Thelma would spend two weeks in Ogunquit every summer. That was their getaway place.
He was also very involved in Genealogy, when he wasn’t working on puzzles, he was on the computer working on who he could find next.
He was predeceased by, His parents, his wife of 55 years Thelma M (Buzzell) Bonenfant, sisters Theresa Anderson, Muriel Gurney, brother Clement Bonenfant, son Peter Bonenfant.
Arthur is survived by His children Arthur J Bonenfant Jr and wife Cindy of Randolph; Diane M Needham and husband Jim of Portland; Cheryl A Hinkley and her husband Paul of Farmingdale. Grandchildren Denise Smith and husband Jon; Christopher Hinkley and wife Cindy; Timothy Bonenfant and wife Erika; Daniel Hinkley and fiancé Krista Paquin; Matthew Berube and wife Natasha. Charles Needham and Matthew Needham. 14 Great Grandchildren. Brother William J Bonenfant Sr of Gardiner, Sisters Simone Lavalle of Farmingdale and Lorraine Allen of Farmingdale, Sister-in-laws Janelle Bonenfant of Westfield MA and Elaine Veniot of Augusta. Several Nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Johan Brown, VA 3 South Nursing staff, Togus Springs and doctors for the care that they provided to Arthur.
There will be a Mass and Full Military committal in the Spring. A date and time will be announced.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Lung Association or Oldies but Goodies Club in Gardiner ME.
Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue Gardiner ME. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Arthur Joseph Bonenfant, Sr. hosted by Staples Funeral Home.